seoplus+ host 100 Men Who Care Ottawa

seoplus+ host 100 Men Who Care Ottawa

For over a decade, 100 Men Who Care Ottawa has been a quiet yet powerful force for good in our community, driven by a simple but effective formula: goodwill. Through small but consistent donations, the grassroots group has given $277,000 to more than 100 local charities.

Last night, members — both longtime and new — came together to support two more causes: the Parkdale Food Centre and its efforts to combat food insecurity through its community-based grocery program, and Waupoos Family Farm, which offers the closest thing to a vacation that some families may ever get.

The evening was proudly hosted by fast-growing digital marketing agency seoplus+ at its office at Lansdowne Park. The company, which helps businesses increase their online presence, was represented by co-founder and CEO Eddy Abounehme and his team.?

“What’s most inspiring about tonight is the simplicity of the idea,” said Abounehme while welcoming the 100 MWC group. “We bring people together, pool our resources, and create meaningful change. It’s a reminder that making an impact doesn’t always require complex strategies or big institutions.

“Sometimes, all it takes is a room full of people who care and who are willing to take action.”

From the seoplus+ team, from left, Seva Losev, Bobby Neema, Derek Cosgrove, Matthew DiCintio (MARANT Construction) and Eddy Abounehme. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The event sponsor was Arbor Memorial Inc. , represented by regional manager Luke McEachnie , along with John Laframboise and Nicholas Brown . From OPES Family Advisory was its founder and portfolio manager, Dean Trudeau, CFP, CIM , who’s made a three-year commitment to support the 100 Men Who Care movement.

100 Men Who Care volunteer president Ron Smith, left, and Dean Trudeau from OPES Family Advisory. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Luke McEachnie (Arbor Memorial) delivering brief remarks at the 100 Men Who Care Ottawa event held at the Lansdowne office of seoplus+. Photo by Caroline Phillips
100 Men Who Care Ottawa met Monday, February 24, 2025, at the office of seoplus+, located at Lansdowne. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, 100 Men Who Care Ottawa board members Stephen McDermott, Gus De la Fuente, Bill Gosewitz, Ron Smith (chair) and Cam Whalen. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Sixty men (with the collective heart of 100) attended. They spent an hour mingling over wine, beer and food before hearing from representatives of the invited charities speak about the work they’re doing in the community, followed by a Q&A. After the presentations, attendees were encouraged to give at least $100, with the option to direct their contributions to one or both of the charities.

For 100 Men Who Care Ottawa volunteer chair Ron Smith , the gathering is a "heartwarming” evening where “wonderful people” come together to network and connect before focusing on local charities in need of support. “It’s just a very, very important couple of hours, four times a year — not a big time commitment,” said Smith.

He was joined by his fellow board members, including mortgage broker Bill Gosewitz , who was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community work.

Among the attendees was 100 Men Who Care Ottawa co-founder Brian Boucher, ICD.D , vice president of commercial and residential fuels at MacEwen Petroleum. “I never miss it; I go to every event,” said Boucher, who remains proud of the impact 100 Men Who Care has had — not only on the charities it supports but also in engaging more men with philanthropy.

100 MWC Ottawa was launched in 2014, the same year as its female counterpart, 100 Women Who Care Ottawa.

From left, 100 Men Who Care Ottawa co-founder Brian Boucher with 100 Men board member Patrick Langston. Photo by Caroline Phillips
New Ottawa resident Shay Faisal (BDC), formerly involved with 100 Men in Peterborough, came out for his first time to the 100 Men Who Care Ottawa gathering. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Christian Campanale (Evospace Developments) and Delan De Silva at 100 Men Who Care. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Representing the Parkdale Food Centre were board chair and lawyer Alexander Wilson , treasurer Ruth Bengough , and communications and fundraising consultant Spencer Tittley. Tittley reported that PFC now serves approximately 1,650 individuals — referred to as "neighbours"— each month, a significant increase from about 900 in 2019.

It's Mino'Weesini Grocery Program, at 5 Hamilton Ave. N., is a way of providing food with dignity and choice, Tittley explained. "We don't want our neighbours having to line up for a box of food that doesn't fit their cultural needs, their nutritional needs."

He emphasized that systemic reforms are needed to tackle the underlying issues of food security, such as unaffordable housing, escalating food prices, and other contributing factors.

Parkdale Food Centre board chair Alex Wilson, left, board treasurer Ruth Bengough with Spencer Tittley, who spoke on behalf of the non-profit organization at the 100 Men Who Care Ottawa gathering. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The presentation from Waupoos Family Farm was particularly eye-opening in better understanding the challenges others face. Located near Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock Ottawa, the farm takes care of five furnished cottages, which it rents out for a nominal fee during the summer and holidays to low-income families, including single mothers, new immigrants, refugees, families living in social housing, and those referred by the Children's Aid Society (CAS) and other agencies.

Waupoos is a "hand-to-mouth organization" that's currently dealing with a broken-down tractor — a vital piece of equipment for running its operation, said administrator Cathy Philpott.?While rooted in Catholicism, Waupoos is open to all families in need.

From left, Emily Friesen (Waupoos Family Farm), John Laframboise (director of community relations at Kelly Funeral Homes at Arbor Memorial) and Cathy Philpott (Waupoos Family Farm). Photo by Caroline Phillips

Visitors have access to an inground swimming pool, sports, games and such group activities as roasting marshmallows around a campfire.

“Poverty doesn’t just mean a lack of material things; it also means a lack of opportunities,” said Philpott.?

The room heard how the volunteer-driven organization strives to create a space where families can enjoy making memories together. “For some families, their neighbourhood is rough, and just going outside to play is not an option,” said farm resident Emily Friesen, while casually mentioning that, earlier that afternoon, she'd been wearing rain boots and busy loading a wood boiler.

She shared a story that was both “cute and sad at the same time” involving a little girl who told them last summer how she wanted to one day bring her own children to Waupoos.?

“She’s expressing that she loves it here, which I’m thankful for, but you also look at this little girl and hope that she has other options for her children.”

From left, Craig Morrison (Fire Fighters Assoc.), Vaughan Campbell, Derek Cosgrove (seoplus+) and Elliott Bourgeois (First Avenue Investment Counsel). Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Derian Tuitt (Robert Half Canada) in conversation with Bobby Neema from seoplus+. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Nuel Andre (Govan Brown) and Matthew DiCintio (MARANT Construction). Photo by Caroline Phillips
Stephen McDermott, left, and Brian Boucher fistbump each other, in place of the traditional handshake. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Tammie Trellert (Capital Wealth Partners), Eddy Abounehme, Brad Ezard (Confederation M&A) and Ed Shepherdson. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Ron Smith, volunteer chair of 100 Men Who Care Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Rob Scrivens, Sergey Poltev (CAPITALTEK) and Bill Gosewitz at 100 Men Who Care. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Nuel Andre (Govan Brown) in conversation at 100 Men Who Care Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Steven McBurney, Derian Tuitt and Stuart Eliuk (Robert Half Canada) at 100 Men Who Care Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Darren Tuitt, Roy Barroso, and Cathy Philpott and Emily Friesen (Waupoos Family Farm) at 100 Men Who Care Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Philips
Gordon Randall, left, and Vaughan Campbell at 100 Men Who Care Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Some 60 attendees met at the office of seoplus+ on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, for 100 Men Who Care Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips










Noémie L. C?té, SCA

International award-winning Open Impressionism landscape painter ?? Artist at Hambleton Galleries, Butter Gallery, Koyman Galleries, Crown & Press Gallery & Galerie Bloom

1 周

What a great initiative and turn out! I see many familia faces. ??

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Jacqueline Wilson

Dual Property Catering Sales Manager for The Westin Ottawa & Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre Connecting Ottawa to inspiring Event Spaces ??

2 周

Well done to all involved! ????

John Laframboise

Director of Community Relations at Kelly Funeral Homes by Arbor Memorial

2 周

It’s always a pleasure to greet you Caroline at events in the Ottawa community. You embrace and witness the community building and kindness and share that via social media. The good news you share is very welcome in these challenging times. Thank you.

Cam Whalen

Project Manager

2 周

Thank you for the amazing story and superb pictures. It is always a pleasure to see out community caring for one another.

Sergey Poltev

Cyber Risk Advisor, founder and CEO at CAPITALTEK | Cybersecurity and Managed IT Service Provider | Forty Under 40

2 周

Thank you for joining us Caroline!

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